John Symington was a grandson of Andrew Symington, clockmaker of Kettle, and the second son of William Symington (1839-1917) and Helen Anne Adamson.

He was born at Kettle on 8 September 1863; he died aged 96 at Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney, on 24 July 1960.

John Symington married Effie Driver at Junee in 1897.

He was a watchmaker and jeweller by trade and for years ran a very profitable general store in the main street of Junee (see highly laudatory advertisement below). He also gave haircuts. [1]

Effie died on 11 May 1942.

AER

1937, 1942 address 315 Mowbray Road, Chatswood

CHILDREN OF JOHN SYMINGTON AND EFFIE DRIVER

LEONARD JOHN SYMINGTON  born in in Junee 1899; died 1901.

NORMAN JOHN SYMINGTON

Born Glebe 1902; died 3 March 1985 age 82; unmarried.

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery 1926 University of Sydney. 

He may have been a boarder at Albury Grammar School in 1914-1915. After attending the Church of England Grammar School for Boys he gained his leaving certificate in 1920 (First Class Honours in French; Second Class Honours in English, Latin and Physics). [2]

In 1927 he received a windfall of one thousand pounds, which was left to him by an unrelated widow, Ada Williams of Mosman, formerly of Junee. [3]

In 1937 he was appointed Senior Medical Officer at Prince Henry's Hospital, Little Bay. [4]

In 1948 he was appointed Medical Superintendent with the Department of Health.

In 1949 he was the medical superintendent of the Prince Henry's Hospital for Infectious Diseases.

He had an interest in infectious diseases and lectured on that subject at the Sydney University from 1938 to 1942.

He played golf at the Blackheath Golf Club.

NEWSPAPER REPORTS

Sydney Morning Herald  Wednesday 19 August 1891, page 8

SERIOUS GUN ACCIDENT AT JUNEE.

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

JUNEE, TUESDAY.

A gun accident occurred today by which a young man employed at Mr. Symington's fancy goods shop sustained severe injuries. The gun had been left for repairs, and the owner, Master George Cowled, having called for it, David Symington, an employee at the shop, and brother of the proprietor, in order to test if the gun was finished and in good order, took from a box, where they were kept for this purpose, what he thought was a blank cartridge. He inserted it in the breech and pulled the trigger, and the whole of the contents of what proved to be a loaded cartridge lodged in the groin of Jas. Driver, who was standing before the muzzle, thus inflicting a very ugly wound. He was immediately removed to the hospital, where, by skilful treatment and careful nursing, hopes are entertained of his recovery.

(also reported in the Goulburn Herald Wednesday 19 August 1891 page 2)

Goulburn Herald (NSW), Monday 24 August 1891, page 3

Fatal Accident with Firearms. JAMES DRIVER, seventeen years of age, died at the Junee hospital on Wednesday night from the effects of a gunshot wound he received on the previous day. It appeared from the evidence given at the inquest as reported in the Junee Democrat, that on Tuesday afternoon the deceased was at Mr. J. Symington’s shop in Junee, when a gun in the hands of David Symington exploded accidentally and the charge entered deceased’s left groin. He was taken to the hospital and his wounds were attended to by Dr. Krueger; but internal hemorrhage set in and death ensued on the succeeding night. Before he died Driver made a statement to a magistrate in which he exonerated D. Symington from any blame. The jury returned a verdict that death was the result of internal haemorrhage caused by a gunshot wound accidentally inflicted by David Symington.

Evening News Friday 6 August 1897 page 2

The marriage of Miss Effie Driver, youngest daughter of Mr. James Driver, of the Loco. Department, took place in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Junee, and was performed by the Rev. J. Jennings, of Wagga. Mr. John Symington, the well-known jeweller and storekeeper, was the bridegroom. The bride wore a tasteful travelling dress of green amazon cloth, bolero of green velvet, and white satin vest, picture hat of green felt with white and green plumes. Miss Mary Driver was the only maid, and her becoming dress of fawn bengaline, pink silk vest, and pink chiffon, was very effective. She wore a black chiffon picture hat with pink flowers. The church was crowded, but the wedding festivities were limited to the bride’s family and particular friends, who were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Driver until express time, when the bridal couple left for Sydney and the Mountains.

Junee Democrat July 23, 1901.

Obituary

We regret to announce the death of the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. John Symington of this town, which occurred on Friday evening last. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon and was largely attended. Much sympathy is expressed for the bereaved parents in the loss of their only child.

Albury Banner and Wodonga Express Friday 26 July 1901 page 15

DEATH.

It is with sincere regret that I have to report the death of Mr. Symington’s only child, which sad event took place on Friday evening last. The little fellow, who was only two years old, had suffered for a long time and gradually wasted away. It appears that medical skill could not stay the progress of the malady, and the end was a foregone conclusion. The funeral took place on Saturday. Sincere sympathy is expressed for the parents in their sad bereavement.

Evening News (Sydney) Friday 26 February 1909 page 6

MARITIME MISCELLANY.

PROJECTED DEPARTURES.   Projected departures tomorrow: —…Miltiades (A. s). for Durban, Capetown, and London, via Melbourne, from Dalgety’s Wharf at noon

The Argus Friday 5 March 1909 page 4

SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. HOBSON'S BAY.

CLEARED OUT. -March 4.

Miltiades, s.s. A. H. Douglas for London Passengers-saloon: …Master Symington,… Messrs. J. Symington, …Mesdames …J. Symington,…

SS MILTIADES arrived London 17 April 1909

First Saloon John Symington 45 years, Effie 38, Norman Symington 6 years

OTWAY Departed London 3 February 1911 for Sydney Second Class passengers John, Mrs. and Master N. Symington

Daily Advertiser Tuesday 18 May 1920 page 2

PROPERTY SALES AT JUNEE.  

On Friday last Mr. J. Symington disposed of his three shops in Broadway, Junee to the Crawley Estate. This severs Mr. Symington’s property interests in Junee, extending back thirty years. Mr. Symington came to Junee about 30 years ago from Wagga, where he was employed as jeweller to Mr. W. C. Hunter. He entered into employment here, and later acquired the business, which be conducted for many years in the premises just disposed of. Some twelve years ago he retired from business, to reside at Mosman, having amassed a handsome competence.  

Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga) Tuesday 22 October 1929 page 2

Mr. J. Symington spent last week in Junee looking over his town property. Mr. Symington came to the district 45 years ago as a jeweller for Mr. W. Hunter, of Wagga. Later he went to Junee as a jeweller for Mr. M. H. Davies, eventually taking over the business, which he carried on for over 20 years. He retired about 15 years ago and went to reside in Sydney.

MEMBER OF THE JUNEE LIGHT HORSE

Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga) Monday 28 September 1936 page 6

Interesting Old Pictures

ON VIEW IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Throughout this week Interesting old photographs, including those published of the early days in this Issue, as well as historical records of great interest, will be on view in the Junee Council Chambers between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

LIGHT HORSE Among the old pictures that will be on view will be a photograph of the Junee unit, part of the late 80’s. The personnel of the Junee unit in those days were Captain J. Egan, an ex-Mayor of Junee. Lieutenant Vickers, Corporal J. Hoad. (afterwards Mayor and M.L.C.), J. Symington (afterwards an alderman), M. Moran ex-school teacher of Wagga and Junee, M. H. Davis (afterwards an alderman of Junee and Newcastle Muncipal Councils), W. H. MacDonald, J. C. McDonell, A. Swan, T. Hore, E. Smith, W. D. Heffernan, P. Lynch, J. Laidlaw, F. Le Warne (manager of railway refreshment rooms), H. Davidge, D. Oswald. The instructor was Sergeant-Major Crotty, who resided at Wagga, and who married a Miss Morgan, of' the Railway Hotel, Wagga. The Junee quota as named acted as a guard of honor to Lord Carrington during Wagga show. The Wagga unit used to ride to Junee for drill and the Junee quota likewise went to Wagga. We are indebted to the Mayor of Junee (Alderman C. J. O’Sullivan) for the names of the above.

Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga), Monday 18 May 1942, page 2

MRS. J. SYMINGTON

The death of Mrs. Effie Symington, wife of Mr. John Symington, at her home at Chatswood removes a former well-known resident of Junee for many years. Her husband, then a single man was jeweller for William Hunter in the late 80’s. He then went to Junee as jeweller to M. H. Davies and later took over the business, which, he carried on for very many years. At Junee he married Miss Effie Driver. She is survived by her husband, one son, Dr. Symington, and two sisters. Misses Mary and Anne Driver. About 25 years ago the Symington family, having acquired much wealth, retired from business and went to live in Sydney. The death recalls a tragedy in Symington’s shop in the 80’s. Mr. John Symington’s brother picked up a breech loading gun which had been left by a customer for repairs. Not knowing it was loaded, he accidentally discharged it and shot dead young Driver, a brother of deceased, and an employee in the shop.

Junee Southern Cross December 16, 1899 [5] 

Symington’s

The heading of this article is a household word in Junee and for many a mile around. This result has been attained by fair and square dealing, giving the people good value for their money, keeping an up-to-date stock, and last by a judicious use of printers' ink. Mr. Symington has built up a considerable business by means of all these four methods, or rather, of course, by a happy combination of them. That he keeps an excellent stock in all of the departments of his trade, the whole year round, our readers do not need to be told. Unlike Mrs. Dombey he is not both at times to make a special effort, to excel himself, so to speak. And one of these occasions is Christmastide. For some days and nights his staff, assisted by artizans; have been busily engaged in preparing for the holiday trade, and the every-day articles of commerce have had to give place for the nonce to what we may call a lighter class of goods, or to “talk shop” and use an editorial phrase, “have been crowed out by more interesting matter.” Thus literature of the more solid class has had to yield the pride of place to frivolity, and the ponderous times have been replaced by lighter reading suitable for the holiday season. The window hitherto devoted to the display of books in various paths of literature has been given up completely to the exhibition of Christmas and new year cards; and a very beautiful and creditable display it is. We are confident that there are many shops of the better class in Sydney and Melbourne which do not make as good a show. The reason is not for to seek. Mr. Symington possessing a golden key has the markets of the world open to him, and he has availed himself of the opportunity to purchase direct from the manufactures; consequently all the designs are new and the goods are fresh. What can be said of the cards can also be said of all the other departments of this extensive establishment - jewellery, the drapery, the grocery. But after the cards, if indeed they be after, are the toys, of which there is a wonderland variety, showing, that the inventive genius has been busy with these as well as in the grover walks of life and industry. There are toys of all kinds to gladden the hearts of the youngsters - dolls and horses, carts and whips, bats and balls, toy guns and mechanical monkeys. If the list stopped there all would be well, but it does not, not by a long way. There are musical toys without number, and they are calculated to bring anything but blessing upon the devoted heads of the inventor, the maker, and the vendor alike. However, there is a demand for goods of this description, and Mr. Symington has of course supplied it. We must say that in this section Mr. Symington is giving wonderful value, and the same may be said of the beautiful electro-plated goods, which are suitable for wedding, birthday, and Christmas and new year gifts. This establishment has an old and well established reputation for keeping a good watch and selling it at a moderate cost. We notice that this line he has marked specially “down” during the festive season. There are English lever watches   suitable for rough and dirty work, ditto for office and light work, besides ladies’ gold and silver watches, scarf pins, studs, alberts (ladies and gentlemen’s), lockets, charms, engagement and wedding rings, keepers, etc. Of all the departments of his business the one which is essential to keep strictly up-to-date is the drapery. At the festive season nothing but the latest and most fashionable goods will sell, and Mr. Symington has a reputation for keeping nothing else. To attain this the British, American, and continental looms have been placed under requisition. Those of the sterner sex who appreciate a good “smoke” will find that their tastes and wants have been catered for. At Xmas time, however, people want something besides nice things to wear, and dainty cards or even handsome gifts. It is a time when the requirements of the inner as well as the outer man have to be studied as they are at no other period of the year. If the visitor will kindly leave the drapery department and step into the grocery he will find that all Christmas wants in this direction have been complied with and in a manner that leaves little indeed to be desired, and we notice that here as in other departments the prices have been cut to suit the times. All the ingredients for the inevitable Christmas pudding will be found of the very best description, while delicacies of every conceivable kind, lollies, biscuits, cakes, Muscatella, Jordan almonds, figs, nuts, etc., all at prices to suit the times. In addition there will be found stocked an excellent selection of the best brands of cordials. Mr. Symington emphasises the fact that those who cannot make it convenient to visit the store, can forward their orders through the post with the utmost confidence that they will receive the greatest and most careful attention.

Junee Southern Cross April 1, 1899

Peculiar Incident

On Wednesday night the well known chestnut horse, which has been driven in Mr. J. Symington’s delivery cart for many years, was placed in the yard at the store, with other horses. Next morning the poor animal was found in great agony, with both fore legs broken. It had been kicked by one of its companions and with such force that the hide was broken and torn. “Cruel to be kind” a gun was obtained and the brute was put out of its misery. This horse when in its prime was a valuable one, and in the days when Captain Coleman led the Murrumbidgee Light Horse “saw service” with the Junee detachment of that gallant corps. The horse, meeting with an accident at one of the Easter encampments the military authorities paid £15 compensation.

Junee Democrat 4 December 1900, page 2

Mr. Symington.

We hardly need to call our subscribers attention to Mr John Symington's advertisement which appears in this issue. That gentleman, unlike some others in Junee, believes in printer's ink, and has progressed, of course, with that steady pace that piles up on a solid foundation, a good sound business. Mr Symington deserves a word of praise and encouragement for his enterprise in building the very substantial additions which have been just completed at his premises in Broadway. The new building is a fine roomy store 80ft x 15 ft, lofty, well ventilated, and nicely lighted. This part of the establishment is used for drapery, millinery, hosiery, boots and shoes, &c. The part of the shop lately used as a drapery shop is now devoted to fancy goods, and the whole of the original portion of the shop is a well appointed grocery store. The establishment is now one of the best and most convenient of up country stores, and carries a big stock of all the varied articles that human requirements or fancies make a demand for.

A Junee newspaper 3 August 1960

AGED 96 YEARS-MR. J. SYMINGTON DIES IN SYDNEY

Mr. John Symington has passed away in Sydney and his remains have been privately cremated. He was aged 96 years. Elder residents of Junee will remember the name Symington for its association with the early history of the town. Mr. Symington was a prominent storekeeper for many years. He is survived by one son- Dr. N. J. Symington.

[1] Riverine directory 1893 Junee Professional and Tradesman's Directory

[2] Sydney Morning Herald 1 February 1921 page 5

[3] Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga) 18 May 1927 page 2

[4] The Sydney Morning Herald Thursday 22 July 1937 page 8

[5] Taken from a typed copy